1) The maximum duration for an RTP Domestic Fee Offset is up to four years (full-time equivalent) for a Doctoral program and up to 2 years (full- time equivalent) for a Masters (Research) program, calculated from the date of commencement in the HDR program.

(2) The duration of the scholarship will be reduced when a request for recognition of prior research towards the HDR project undertaken while enrolled at Griffith or another institution has been approved.

4.1 Mode of Attendance - Remote Candidature

(1) Awardees can apply to undertake their program away from the University.

4.2 Study Load

(1) Candidates supported by an RTP Domestic Fee Offset may apply to change their enrolment status from part-time to full-time or full-time to part-time in accordance with section 3.5.4 of the HDR Enrolment and Variations to Candidature Procedure. Candidates in receipt of a stipend scholarship will also be subject to the enrolment status requirements set out in the conditions of award for that scholarship

4.3 Employment

(1) Awardees are permitted to undertake work, paid or otherwise, that is unrelated to their research project. However, it must not affect their ability to maintain their study load commitment, nor interfere with the timely progression and completion of their research project. Employment commitments will not be considered as a reason for an extension of the award. Requirements are detailed in Section 3.5.4 of the HDR Enrolment and Variations to Candidature Procedure

(2) Awardees should consult with their principal supervisor in regards to the decision to undertake employment while in the HDR program.

4.4 Changes  to Candidature

(1)   Transferring from another university

A request for transfer to Griffith University by a domestic HDR candidate in receipt of an RTP Domestic Fee Offset from another university will be considered subject to sufficient RTP funds being available to support the candidate.

Section 3.2 of these Conditions of Award will apply to transfer of candidature where recognition of prior study is sought. Normally, candidates seeking recognition of prior research study will only be approved to transfer from another institution where they have sufficient RTP Domestic Fee Offset tenure remaining to allow a minimum of one year (full-time equivalent) enrolment at the University.

(2)   Transferring to another university

On request, Griffith University will provide an HDR candidate with information about their RTP Domestic Fee Offset that is required for enrolment at another University.

(3)   Changing enrolment status

Candidates awarded an RTP Domestic Fee Offset may apply to change their enrolment status from part-time to full-time or full-time to part-time. The attendance webpage sets out requirements for changes to study load. Changes to study load may be requested and approved as outlined in section 3.6.1 of the HDR Enrolment and Variations to Candidature Procedure.

Candidates in receipt of a stipend scholarship will also be subject to the enrolment status requirements set out in the conditions of award for that scholarship.

(4)   Changes to HDR program

Applications to transfer candidature from one HDR program to another will be considered in accordance with section 3.6.7 of the HDR Enrolment and Variations to Candidature Procedure.  If an awardee is permitted to transfer from a masters (research) to a doctoral program or from a doctoral to a masters (research) program, the maximum duration of the scholarship will be adjusted accordingly.

The maximum duration of a transferred award becomes that for the new HDR program minus the period of study undertaken towards the previous program prior to the conversion.

Candidates in receipt of a stipend scholarship will also be subject to the candidature status requirements set out in the conditions of award for that scholarship.

(5)   Change of research topic

A request for a major change to the thesis topic  can be considered as per section 3.6.4 of theHDR Enrolment and Variations to Candidature Procedure. Stipend scholarship holders are advised to refer to their conditions of award as any agreement governing the terms of the contract for direction as to whether a major change of topic or change of supervisor is allowable under the terms.

(6)    Suspension of candidature

Candidates supported by an  RTP Domestic Fee Offset may apply to suspend their candidature in accordance with section 3.7 of the HDR Enrolment and Variations to Candidature Procedure. Candidates in receipt of a stipend scholarship will also be subject to the requirements regarding suspension of candidature set out in the conditions of award for that scholarship.

4.5 Industry Placements, Research Internships and Professional Practice Activities

(1) Candidates supported by a RTP Domestic Fee Offset may undertake industry placements, research internships and professional practice activities that are approved by the Dean (Research) as part of their HDR program.

(2) Ongoing receipt of the RTP Domestic Fee Offset may be available for the duration of an approved industry placement, research internships or professional practice activity if:

1. The awardee has not exceeded the maximum duration of their HDR program;
2. The awardee has sufficient tenure remaining;
3. The awardee has not submitted their thesis for examination; and
4. The industry placement, research internship or professional practice activity will run for at least 30 days and no more than six months duration.

4.6 Supervision and Infrastructure Support

1) All HDR candidates, including those in receipt of a HDR scholarship will be entitled to supervisory arrangements as detailed in the HDR Supervision Procedure, which also details the process for changes to supervision. Responsibilities of parties involved in supporting the candidature journey are set out in the University’s Code of Practice for HDR Candidature.

(2) All HDR candidates are entitled to support towards the infrastructure required for their project as set out in the Minimum Standards of Resources, Facilities and Other Support.

4.7 Termination of the RTP Domestic Fee Offset

(1) An RTP Domestic Fee Offset will be terminated in any of the following circumstances:

1. when the maximum period of entitlement is exhausted or when the candidate lodges a thesis, whichever is earlier;
2. on the candidate’s withdrawal from the HDR program;
3. if the candidate commences a period of suspension without formal approval and has not requested a period of suspension;
4. if the candidate does not resume study at the conclusion of a period of suspension or does not make arrangements to extend that period of suspension
5. if the candidate ceases to meet the eligibility criteria specified in Section 1 of these Guidelines, other than during a period in which a suspension of candidature has been approved;
6. if the HDR candidate fails to maintain satisfactory progress, as determined by the University.

4.8 Acknowledgement Requirement

(1) The Commonwealth Government’s support via the provision of the Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship must be acknowledged when, at any time during or after completion of the HDR program, the awardee, their supervisor or any other party publishes or produces material (including books, articles, newsletters or other literary or artistic works) which relate to the research project carried out by the awardee while they were in receipt of the scholarship. This acknowledgement must take the following form of words in a prominent place in any material produced through the research project:

This research was supported by the Commonwealth through an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship [DOI: https://doi.org/10.82133/C42F-K220].

(2)    Additionally, if the awardee has an ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) , they must acknowledge the Commonwealth's contribution through the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship by including the RTP DOI: https://doi.org/10.82133/C42F-K220 in their ORCID record.

4.9 Relevant External Documents

• Higher Education Support (Commonwealth Scholarships) Guidelines 2025
• The Department of Education’s Research Training Program (RTP) webpage
• The Department of of Education’s Research Training Program – Frequently Asked Questions for Students

(1) An awardee who is dissatisfied with a decision to terminate an RTP Domestic Fee Offset may request a review of the decision in accordance with the Student Review and Appeals Policy.

Refer to the Research degree scholarships for information on living allowance scholarships that may be awarded in conjunction including the Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship and the Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship.